Architect Richard Gage will present an alternate explanation for the September 2001 collapse of the World Trade Center buildings 5 p.m. Oct. 24 in Atwood Theater. View a poster (PDF) about Gage's talk.

Films and presentations are slated for Oct. 22-25.

"We want to empower students to see that they can take big actions to change the world," said Julie Andrzejewski, professor of human relations and multicultural education. She is co-founder of the Master's Program in Social Responsibility, sponsor of the conference.

Except for the Goodman talk, events are free and open to the public. Parking is free on streets adjacent to campus and a dollar per hour in the 4th Avenue Parking Ramp.

Topics range from corruption of global food systems, to how global corporations avoid taxes, to the epidemic of sexual assault in the U.S. military. A sampling of the more than one dozen films to be screened:

"How to Start a Revolution" (2011) tells the story of Gene Sharp, a Nobel Peace Prize nominee famed for his writing on nonviolent struggle.

"Abandon the Knife" (2011) is a short film that discusses the circumcision -- typically without anesthesia -- of pre-adolescent females. Practiced in some African and Middle Eastern nations, the practice is rooted in the social control of women. Directed by Sara Nason. Produced by Guardian Films.

"We're Not Broke" (2012) is an expose of how corporations avoid paying U.S. taxes. Written and directed by Victoria Bruce and Karin Hayes.

STUDENT/EMPLOYEE PRESENTATIONS

Topics include combatting HIV/AIDs in Africa, social injustices created by the war on drugs and the need for strong federal legislation that reduces violence against women. Two presentations of note are:

A "Women of Color" panel discussion about discrimination and racism, empowerment and activism, will be 9:30 a.m. Oct. 23 in Atwood Theater.